The cat is a symbol of winning: A conversation with Raise The Cat’s @GipperGrove

If you are in Philadelphia and see a cat in the air, don’t worry, it’s just because the 76ers won. With the (relative) resurgence of the 18-33 Sixers squad, Sixers fan Dennis Grove has been celebrating each win by hoisting his cat skyward, and the city has followed. Dennis is the creator of the movement #RAISETHECAT and he was nice enough to put his cat down and answer some of my questions about cats, how to raise them, and raising money (for cats.)

Was this the first usage of the hashtag?

YES!

How did you connect cats, raising them, and Sixers victories?

Ben Simmons has two Savannahs and they sit on his head and shoulder. I tried to do the same with my 20 pound cat (Izzy) and it didn’t work. I did promise Twitter that I would raise my cat when they won and I did it. The internet loved it!

How did your cat react to being raised initially?

Izzy is OK with it for the first 10 seconds but then she wishes to be put down. So I am working against the clock.

How has that changed in the recent winning streak? Is your cat getting tired of it?

Izzy is fine with it for the most part. I just have to raise her correctly. She watches the games with me so she is within reach.

Please give me tips for properly raising a cat.

First, I make sure she is on her feet. Cats don’t like when you reach under them while they are sitting. So I might get some cat food out so that she rises to her feet. Then I reach underneath and pick her up. At that point she seems pretty un-phased and that’s when I take the photo.

How has the social media / Philly reception been to your campaign?

The reception has been unreal. It’s amazing how many cat owners there are out there. Also, Twitter is the only place where this could take off. I feel like Instagram and Facebook wouldn’t receive it as warmly.